Voters Find Democrats More Favorable in Governor's Race

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Voters Find Democrats More Favorable in Governor’s Race

Carney, Markell well ahead of the Republican field, FDU poll shows

NEWCASTLE — A recent Fairleigh Dickinson University poll confirms more voters know and favor Lt. Governor John Carney and State Treasurer Jack Markell than the two Republicans running for governor.

“Lt. Gov. Carney and Treasurer Markell have worked hard over the years making Delaware a better place to live and work,” said Delaware Democratic Party Executive Director, Molly Jurusik. “It’s no surprise they have favorable ratings well above the Republicans in the race, whose favorable ratings are below 15 percent.”

Lt. Governor Carney has made great strides in his career fighting violence, restoring priorities in education and providing equal access to health care. As co-chair of the Health Disparities Task Force, Carney has helped identify how minorities in Delaware are at a greater risk than the general population for developing some of the most deadly chronic diseases, including heart disease and various forms of cancer. The task force has also recommended how to remedy these health risks.

Treasurer Markell has a long history of financial responsibility. He’s saved tax payers $25 million since 2002 by implementing a statewide bulk purchasing system. He created The Delaware Money School, which offers free classes throughout the year on topics such as saving for college and retirement planning. The school’s financial counseling has also equipped Delawareans with the knowledge to climb out of debt. Markell’s Consumer Tool Chest has helped inform seniors about the changing technologies in the financial world.

Voters continue to show extreme dissatisfaction with the Republican Party, both in Delaware and nationally. It started with President George W. Bush’s failed policies in Iraq and has trickled down to the Republicans in Congress. As they’ve stood by his countless missteps in Iraq, denying health insurance to our nation’s poorest children, slashing funding for local police and ignoring the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission, Delawareans have become increasingly frustrated with the Republicans.

Fairleigh Dickinson polling shows that only 29 percent of Delaware voters now approve of the job President Bush is doing, down from 37 percent last October.

Peter Woolley, professor of political science at Fairleigh Dickinson University and director of the poll, said in Tuesday’s Wilmington News Journal, “the number of people who are identifying themselves as Republicans is shrinking and has been declining bit by bit over the last couple of years. That’s an omen of serious problems for Republicans.”

As Delawareans prepare to vote in 2008, they see Lt. Gov. Carney and Treasurer Markell providing a clear vision for the state’s future.

Other noteworthy poll findings:

Even Republicans see doom. "Two years ago, I predicted it was going to be a tough year for Republicans, and I don't see anything that will change that for next year," said Glenn Kenton, a Delaware Republican strategist, in Tuesday’s Wilmington News Journal.

When it comes to the supposed Republican gubernatorial front runner, Alan Levin, his Fred Thompson style delay in announcing his candidacy hasn’t worked to build much momentum. Thompson, at least, received some positive polling before he had to officially face media and voters’ scrutiny when he announced his candidacy. That strategy hasn’t worked for Levin. Almost 60 percent of voters have never heard of him, making Levin the least recognized person in the race. He’s also the least favorable at 13 percent.

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